MANITOWOC – The first two Republican presidential debates are in the books, but according to citizens of Manitowoc and Two Rivers, a clear frontrunner has not yet emerged.

Almost everyone the HTR talked with in both cities Friday, Aug. 7, had a different opinion about how things went during the debates a day earlier. All those who talked with the paper identified themselves as Republicans.

The first debate, deemed the “Happy Hour” debate by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, featured the seven candidates left out of the primetime debate. “Happy Hour” participants were Graham, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore.

So, the question becomes, with all those candidates, who won? Or, perhaps more importantly, who lost?

“Honestly, I think the big winner wasn’t even on stage when the supposed big guys came on,” said Carrie Steinmetz of Manitowoc. “I think it was Fiorina. She simply had the best answers, seemed to know her stuff the best and didn’t stand there taking pot-shots at everyone else. She knows the real enemy is (presumed Democrat presidential candidate Hillary) Clinton. And she spent her time attacking her, not the other members of her party.”

Keeping the focus on Clinton, President Barack Obama and the Democrats was important to the debate-watchers HTR Media spoke with.

“I may be accused of being a homer here, but I think Walker was the best,” said Ted Simmons of Manitowoc. “He focused on the issues and how to beat the Democrats. That’s why I’ll never go for Trump, who I thought lost big time. All he does is attack other people without saying anything of substance. (Walker) answered questions without taking shots at his fellow Republicans. I thought he came out on top. Though, I liked Christie, too, the way he stood up for those lost in 9/11.”

Picking just one winner was hard for some, while picking a loser was easy.

“I say Trump lost just because I’m sick of him. As for a winner, I’ll go with Walker or Rubio,” said Kevin Deerbeck of Manitowoc. “I like (Walker). I like him a lot, and I think he did a great job and has done a great job for our state and that’s why I’ve voted for him three times. But, I had my eyes opened by Rubio, too. I didn’t know much about him before, but I’m paying attention now. He was poised, intelligent and a little feisty. I like that.”

Not everyone thought Trump was the loser of the day.

“I liked Trump when he announced he was running, and I still like him after the debate,” said Tracy Bindell of Two Rivers. “He’s the only one I feel I can really trust, the only that is actually giving a straight answer. He tells it like it is. He doesn’t sugarcoat, he’s not politically correct, he’s just himself. I like that. He’s not a politician. I’m sick of politicians.”

There were some who didn’t want to pick a winner or loser.

“I just don’t want another Clinton or a Democrat,” said James Williams of Two Rivers. “I’d be fine with any of the Republican candidates. I think they would all be far better than (Obama) or Clinton or any Democrat. I don’t care who it is, as long as they’re conservative. We need to bring America back to greatness, and it’s obvious the Democrats can’t do that.”

The next Republican debate is scheduled for Sept. 16. The first Democratic debate is scheduled for Oct. 13.